Hello Royal Clubbers, it’s Millie back here again – thanks to Danielle for filling in!
You’ll be delighted to hear it’s been a busy and glamorous week for the royals as we’ve seen many of them out and about enjoying the sun at Ascot.
But before we dive into the best royal pictures and the diary, I have a very exciting announcement: HELLO!’s The Right Royal Podcast has announced its first ever live show. It will take place in London on June 26 and is completely free to attend! Over to Emmy, Andrea and Emily who have all the details…
Now let's take a little look back at some royal history.
On This Day…
On this day in royal history, 21 June 1529, Katherine of Aragon made a powerful speech to her husband King Henry VIII at a court convened in Blackfriars, London to determine the validity of their marriage.
Henry sought the annulment of their union, on the grounds that Katherine had already been married to his brother Arthur, who died. He claimed that this was why he had no male heirs.
Katherine took the opportunity to appeal directly to her husband, falling to her knees in front of the court.
She said:
Sir, I beseech you, for all the loves that hath been between us, and for the love of God, let me have justice and right. Take of me some pity and compassion, for I am a poor woman and a strange born out of your dominion. I have here no assured friend, and much less indifferent counsel. I flee to you as the head of justice within this realm.
Alas, Sir, where have I offended you? Or what occasion have you of displeasure, that you intend to put me from you? I take God and all the world to witness that I have been to you a true, humble and obedient wife, ever conformable to your will and pleasure. I have been pleased and contented with all things wherein you had delight and dalliance. I never grudged a word or countenance, or showed a spark of discontent. I loved all those whom ye loved only for your sake, whether I had cause or no, and whether they were my friends or enemies. This twenty years and more I have been your true wife, and by me ye have had divers children, though it hath pleased God to call them out of this world, which hath been no fault in me. Ane when ye had me at the first, I take God to be my judge, I was a true maid, without touch of man; and whether it be true or no, I put it to your conscience.
If there be any just cause by the law that you can allege against me, either of dishonesty or any other impediment, to put me from you, I am well content to depart, to my shame and dishonour. If there be none, I must lowly beseech you, let me remain in my former estate and receive justice at your princely hands.’
Katherine rose to her feet and left, refusing to return to the court. As we know, Henry would eventually be successful in his attempts to divorce her. We also know the outcome could have been far worse for Katherine…
Best Royal Pictures of The Week
Peter Phillips
What an elegant couple! Princess Anne’s son Peter was joined by his girlfriend Harriet Sperling for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot on Thursday, looking rather glamorous in spite of the heat.
Princess Charlene
The Monegasque royal looked like a Disney princess in this beautiful blue off-the-shoulder gown, worn to the Closing Ceremony during the 64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival on Tuesday.
Zara and Mike Tindall
I absolutely loved this black-and-white fashion moment from Princess Anne’s daughter Zara, who was joined by her husband Mike for Ladies Day at Ascot on Thursday.
Prince William
It’s not unusual to see an A-lister and a Prince, but it is a little more unusual for them to be dressed in lab coats. Cate Blanchett joined the Prince of Wales for a visit to Earthshot Prize Finalist Colorifix, a UK based company which creates sustainable dye for clothing, on Thursday in Norwich.
Norwegian royals
Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway learned how to perform CPR during their visit to the Red Cross Summer Emergency Response Unit at Kadettangen on Thursday.
Princess Beatrice
An animated Princess of York watched on from the Royal Box as she appeared to greatly enjoy her day out at the races on Thursday.
Spanish royals
The commemorative celebrations for King Felipe’s tenth anniversary of his proclamation continue. The Spanish king was joined by his wife Queen Letizia for a concert in Madrid on Wednesday.
Princess Catherine and Duchess Sophie
How elegant did both royal ladies look on Monday? Princess Catherine opted for an all-white look while Duchess Sophie wore a lovely pink and white ensemble for the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
King Charles
King Charles appeared to share a joke with Carole Middleton as the duo watched the races from the Royal Box at Ascot on Wednesday. While Carole’s daughter Catherine was absent, Carole seemingly enjoyed the drama of the races nonetheless.
Duchess Sarah
A lovely mother-daughter moment for Duchess Sarah and Princess Beatrice who also attended Ascot on Tuesday, marking the first day of the prestigious event.
Dutch royals
A striking picture, as King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Princess Catharina-Amalia joined forces to attend the presentation of the standard to the Princess Catharina-Amalia Hussar Regiment on Wednesday.
Royal diary
After the excitement of Royal Ascot last week, the royal calendar is still well and truly jam-packed for the week ahead.
Find out what the Windsors will be up to, including an overseas visit.